Heading to explore the beautiful islands of the Philippines or to experience the bustling city life of Manila? Whether you’re looking to enjoy the stunning beaches or savor delicious food, you’ll undoubtedly want to share your experiences with loved ones. The fastest way to stay connected on the go is with an eSIM Philippines, ensuring a smooth online presence throughout your journey.
Let’s delve into the best options and packages eSIM providers offer for travelers in the Philippines. And if you’re a fan of traditional SIM cards, read on to discover your options in this regard.
eSIM Philippines: How to Choose the Best One?
Choosing an eSIM requires considering several factors, including data volume and the duration of your stay in the Philippines. Remember, you typically use more data on a sightseeing vacation than at home.
Also, note that packages from most providers offer data only. However, this shouldn’t hinder communication via Whatsapp, Messenger, Booking, and other apps commonly used during your travels.
For purchase, we recommend packages that connect to Smart or Globe operators, as they provide the best signal coverage in the Philippines. You can always find this information in the package description from the provider where you intend to shop.
The Most Cost-Effective eSIM for the Philippines
Let’s see how much the most commonly used data packages cost. We’ve selected for you the most advantageous and reliable providers. Our choice is ideal for approximately a 14-day holiday, but data volume and usage may vary by individual. If unsure, check out our article on choosing the best eSIM.
Cheapest Packages
If you need data mainly as a backup, 1 GB should suffice. Currently, the cheapest you can buy is from ReadteaGO at $2.69.
If you prefer the popular Airalo, you’ll pay $4.50. With Nomad, it’s $4.
Average Data Usage (5 GB)
If you frequently use Wi-Fi but also want ample data for maps, social networks, etc., 5 GB should be enough. Nomad currently offers the best plan, where 5 GB for 30 days costs a neat $10.
You’ll pay $10.99 with ETravelSim, which offers the option for incoming calls (useful if you’re being contacted by accommodations or booked activities).
Airalo has it for $13, and Mobimatter prices it at $13.49.
High Data Usage (10 GB)
If you want ample data for your holiday, 10 GB should more than suffice. Nomad’s 30-day plan costs $17. ETravelSIM also offers a quality package with the option for incoming calls for $19.99, the same amount you’d pay for a package from Mobimatter.
With Airalo, the price reaches $21. Using our discount code (see box below), you can save $3.
Unlimited Data
Need to be constantly online for work and have high data consumption? Unlimited data is the solution. However, be aware that some providers may slow down the internet after a certain amount of data is used.
ETravelSim has a very attractive offer, selling unlimited data for 15 days at $39.99. If you want unlimited data for up to 30 days, it costs an additional $20. Unfortunately, you cannot share data via Wi-Fi hotspot with this option.
If you need to share data, we recommend Maya Mobile, albeit at a slightly higher price. For the option to share unlimited data for 15 days, you’ll pay $66, with a cap of 3 GB of high-speed data per day. After that, the internet slows down, but if you’re not planning to stream Netflix on the beach all day, you should be fine.
Holafly, a leader in unlimited data, offers 20 days for $54. In rare cases, they may slow down the data if the operator deems your average consumption exceeds 90 GB per month. Should this happen, contacting support should resolve the issue.
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Overview of the Most Cost-Effective eSIM Packages for the Philippines
| Provider | GB | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReadteaGO | 1 GB | $2.69 | 7 days |
| Nomad | 5 GB | $10 | 30 days |
| Nomad | 10 GB | $17 | 30 days |
| ETravelSim | Unlimited | $39.99 | 15 days |
Traditional SIM Card in the Philippines
If you prefer a traditional SIM card despite the good eSIM package offerings, it’s straightforward. You can buy a SIM card directly at the airport (though they might offer worse deals), in authorized city stores, or online (e.g., on Amazon, and the SIM card will be shipped to you or await your arrival at a designated location). Be prepared to show your passport for registration.
You can choose from three main operators: Globe, Smart, and DITO, along with four virtual operators operating on the Globe or Smart networks. In terms of signal coverage, Smart leads, closely followed by Globe. DITO has the weakest coverage, mainly because it has been in the market for just over a year but is expected to improve.
Most operators offer tourist packages at very low prices. Globe seems the best, offering 20 GB for 15 days at approximately $9. For 40 GB, the price doubles. However, if you want the best and most stable signal, go for Smart.
Smart’s prices are slightly higher. On the flip side, you can also get an eSIM from them (still, expect to show your passport). For 12 GB of data for 30 days, you’ll pay about $18, comparable to Nomad and saving you the hassle at the airport or finding a store in the city.
Of course, there are many more packages available. Both Smart and Globe offer countless combinations, leaving it up to you whether you want to sift through their offerings and negotiate in an authorized store.
Summary: Esim Philippines vs. Classic SIM Card
The Philippines offers very good options to stay online during your stay. The choice of eSIM for the Philippines is diverse, and everyone can find something for themselves. If you’re arranging everything for your holiday from the comfort of your home, then an eSIM is undoubtedly a great choice. Some packages from eSIM providers are comparable to the basic tourist offers from local operators. For example, Nomad has a really quality offer.
If you want to save money, buy a package from Globe. You won’t have any signal issues in most places. Just be prepared that the setup might not be as smooth as buying an eSIM, with which you’re online immediately after arrival. And that’s what I love about eSIM Philippines.
